{"id":161634,"date":"2025-08-09T10:54:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T10:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-downside-of-framework-desktop-is-that-it-has-fixed-memory-but-that-can-also-be-seen-as-a-positive-aspect\/"},"modified":"2025-08-09T10:54:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T10:54:13","slug":"the-downside-of-framework-desktop-is-that-it-has-fixed-memory-but-that-can-also-be-seen-as-a-positive-aspect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-downside-of-framework-desktop-is-that-it-has-fixed-memory-but-that-can-also-be-seen-as-a-positive-aspect\/","title":{"rendered":"The downside of Framework Desktop is that it has fixed memory. But that can also be seen as a positive aspect."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2021, the portable panorama was bleak in a key section: the \u00a0right to repair\u00a0. Manufacturers made it increasingly difficult to solve problems or update machines on one’s own. It was during this challenging landscape that a small and relatively unknown company presented an alternative. That company was \u00a0Framework\u00a0.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Framework’s \u00a0modular laptops\u00a0 have since emerged as an \u00a0absolute reference in repairability and expansion capacity\u00a0. Over the years, they have maintained this tradition. Recently, the company announced the launch of two new portable models, alongside a surprising addition: a desktop mini-PC that, curiously, seemed contrary to the company’s principles.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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 <img alt=\"Framework Modular Laptop\" width=\"375\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/i.blogs.es\/d5ce75\/framework-13-review-xataka-portada-alternativa\/375_142.jpeg\"\/><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
This innovative machine is none other than the Framework Desktop<\/a>. It distinguishes itself both externally and internally. The device adopts a mini-PC format with a mini-ITX motherboard and a compact chassis that occupies just \u00a04.5 liters\u00a0.<\/p>\n
  <\/p>\n
Moreover, the Framework Desktop boasts a \u00a0differentiating design\u00a0 featuring a front panel where users can customize up to \u00a021 “tiles”\u00a0, which can even be printed in \u00a03D\u00a0. (The designs for customization are available online: GitHub Repository<\/a>).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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   \"Framework<\/p>\n
  <\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n
In addition, the Desktop continues the tradition of \u00a0modular ports\u00a0 found in Framework’s laptops, allowing users to customize their input and output options. Users can purchase these modules separately and integrate new ones as needed. On the inside, the technical specifications reveal a powerhouse:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n
  <\/th>\n             <th class=\"align-left\">\n   <p>Framework Desktop<\/p>\n  <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n\n<\/thead>\n  <tbody>\n      <tr>\n             <th class=\"align-left\">\n   <p>Processor<\/p>\n  <\/th>\n             <td class=\"align-left\">\n   <p>AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.0 GHz)<\/p><\/code><\/pre>\n
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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GPU<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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Radeon 8050s Graphics (32 nuclei, 2.8 GHz)<\/p>\n
Radeon 8060s Graphics (40 cores, 2.9 GHz)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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NPU<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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Up to 50 tops<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Memory<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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32\/64\/128 GB LPDDR5X-8000 (Welded)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Storage<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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Flexatx 400W<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Front ports<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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2 x customizable I\/O modules<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Rear ports<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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1 x HDMI 2.1<\/p>\n
2 x DisplayPort 2.1<\/p>\n
2 x USB-C (USB4)<\/p>\n
1 x RJ45 (5GBE)<\/p>\n
2 x USB-A (USB 3.2 GEN1)<\/p>\n
1 x minijack 3.5 mm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Feeding<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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Flexatx 400W<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Dimensions and weight<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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96.8 x 205.5 x 226.1mm<\/p>\n
3.1 kg<\/p>\n
4.5 L mini-ITX box<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Price<\/p>\n<\/th>\n
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From 1,309 euros<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
  <\/tbody><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
However, in these specifications, it\u2019s surprising that the \u00a0AMD SoC\u00a0 (with the CPU, integrated GPU, and NPU) is soldered to the motherboard, as is the memory. \u00a0This seems like a betrayal\u00a0 of Framework\u2019s core values of interchangeability and repairability, and has already drawn criticism.<\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
An AI Workstation for All Audiences<\/h2>\n
Some<\/a> independent reviews have criticized this aspect of the framework. However, the decision stems from a technical necessity. As the company explained in the official announcement<\/a>:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“To enable the huge \u00a0256 GB\/s memory bandwidth\u00a0 offered by Ryzen AI Max, the LPDDR5X was welded. We spent months working with AMD to explore solutions, but ultimately concluded that modular memory with high performance wasn’t technically viable with the 256-bit memory bus.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\n                   \"F2\"\/
\n   \"Framework<\/p>\n
  <\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n
This is a reasonable argument, especially given that while the device has a gaming flair, its true target audience is different. The machines leverage a \u00a0unified memory architecture (UMA)\u00a0, meaning there is no dedicated video memory; instead, the GPU utilizes RAM as video memory. Thus, 32, 64, or \u00a0128 GB of RAM\u00a0 is shared between CPU and GPU. This concept mirrors Apple’s approach with its M1 and M2 chips, allowing flexible assignment of memory resources between CPU and GPU.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The true value of these machines lies in being \u00a0affordable workstations\u00a0 capable of handling local \u00a0AI models\u00a0. Recently, we discussed how OpenAI’s GPT-Oss-20b model demonstrated the importance of having significant graphic memory for such scenarios.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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\n                   \"F4\"\/
\n   \"AI<\/p>\n
  <\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n
The Framework Desktop presents a strong alternative to Apple’s computers with their unified memory architecture. For instance, if you opt for the \u00a0128 GB\u00a0 RAM model (\u20ac2,359), you could allocate up to \u00a0112 GB\u00a0 for video memory. This offers ample capability to work with heavy models like OpenAI’s “Large” variant (GPT-Oss-120b), or as noted by Framework, with Azure AI models.<\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
In fact, the value proposition of this machine lies in its compactness and efficiency; it maintains a \u00a0low power consumption\u00a0 of around 140W and operates quietly. This is not a rival to gaming machines with dedicated graphics. If your focus is serious gaming, this might not be your best bet.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re more of an occasional gamer and primarily seek a \u00a0powerful workstation\u00a0 that enables local AI experimentation, this may be among the \u00a0best current alternatives\u00a0 for a compact, efficient, and silent setup.<\/p>\n
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Other options are evident: either invest in a high-end Mac with the highest possible amount of unified memory, or opt for a PC setup that combines multiple dedicated graphics cards (leading to higher costs and energy consumption, as well as increased noise levels).<\/p>\n
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 <img alt=\"Building Your Own PC\" width=\"375\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/i.blogs.es\/e38908\/pc2023-ap\/375_142.jpeg\"\/><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Could the Framework Desktop have been designed to be more modular and repairable? Absolutely. However, this mirrors the majority of current PCs. The manufacturer chose a different path, and this approach offers intriguing possibilities. Ultimately, it’s the users who will decide (and you will decide).<\/p>\n

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General News – 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2021, the portable panorama was bleak in a key section: the \u00a0right to repair\u00a0. Manufacturers made it increasingly difficult to solve problems or update machines on one’s own. It was during this challenging landscape that a small and relatively unknown company presented an alternative. That company was \u00a0Framework\u00a0. Framework’s \u00a0modular laptops\u00a0 have since emerged […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":161635,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36399],"tags":[35795,34772,39267,5810,13659,6879,4442],"class_list":["post-161634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-aspect","tag-desktop","tag-downside","tag-fixed","tag-framework","tag-memory","tag-positive"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161634"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161634\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}